A day in the life of Camp Spirit includes opportunities for children to continue their journey of wonder, exploring our faith through listening and experiencing the sacred stories, enjoying times of creativity and science, singing and moving to music, sharing a meal together and enjoying table fellowship and moving deeper into the theme through planned out-trips into the community.
Knowing that the natural world is very much apart of our experience of God, we aim to have outdoor time every day (weather dependent) with one full day being spent outside (at a park, pool, or other green space).
Schedule: 9:00: Drop Off 9:00 - 9:30: Children gather in their age groups and prepare for the day 9:30 - 10:00: Worship together 10:00 - 12:00: Exploring theme in age groups (art, song, stories, play). A snack is served during this time. 12:00 - 12:45: Lunch 12:45 - 1:30: Camp Spirit Singing, Community Engagement or Spiritual Practices 1:30 - 2:45: Large Group Activity 2:45 - 3:00: Closing in Age Groups 3:00: Pick up Everyone is invited to our closing celebrations on Fridays at 2:15 where we will be showing a slideshow of the week, worshipping together and watching presentations by each of the age groups.
What is Community Engagement?
This is an opportunity for members of the community to share their gifts and their interests with the campers.
The children will be able to select an activity during this time, hosted by one person or a pair from the local community. These small groups give children the opportunity to explore other areas of interest, develop current skills and talents, and helps equip them with skills and experience in relating to people of a variety of ages and abilities. Some past small group activities have included: knitting, paper-making, watercolour painting, dance, photography, yoga, soccer skills, woodworking, song writing, astronomy, morse code, and MANY MORE! Interested in hosting a small group? Contact your local Camp Spirit church or e-mail our Camp Director at director@campspirit.ca.
What does my child have to bring to camp?
Your child should arrive to camp wearing loose, comfortable clothing, close-toed shoes (or secure sandals - no flip flops please), a hat and sunscreen. Many bring a backpack with extra sunscreen, a water bottle and a change of clothes in case of spills or accidents. *Camp Spirit will have hypoallergenic sunscreen available if forgotten. Registration includes a Camp Spirit t-shirt which must be worn at all times for safety reasons (plus, the kids love them, and you don't have to worry about messy crafts!). On Monday morning please also bring the permission form which will be e-mailed to you two weeks before the start of your child's camp.
What kind of food will my child be eating?
Camp Spirit aims to provide nutritious, fresh, and simple food for our campers. The kitchen staff at each site are Food Safe Certified and can accommodate allergies or dietary restrictions (please indicate these on your registration form). The menu will vary from site to site, but all will have fresh fruits and vegetables and a well rounded lunch.
What safety measures will be in place?
The Camp Director and Staff will have knowledge of the current safety procedures for each site location (including fire and earthquake). All of the Age-Group Coordinators have First Aid Training (Emergency Child Care First Aid CPR/AED Level B) and all sites (and the Camp Director) have First Aid Kits readily available. We take every precaution to make sure that the children are always in a safe and secure environment.
What is the cost?
The cost is $150 for day campers and Leaders in Training (LITs). During our four day week (August 7-10) at St. Andrew's United Church in Williams Lake and Cadboro Bay United Church in Victoria the cost is $120. At St Andrew's Wesley United, their preschool program cost is $60. Financial support is available! We do not turn children or youth away!
